PASADENA, Calif. — Members affected by the Eaton Fire received financial assistance, fee waivers and guidance from E-Central Credit Union as they began rebuilding after losing their homes, according to reporting by one local publication.
Among those highlighted by the credit union was member Cassandra Sellers, who lost her home in the wildfire. Sellers said E-Central waived service charges tied to financial transactions following the disaster, according to Pasadena Now.
“E-Central waived all service charges related to the disaster, including wire fees and other transactional costs,” Sellers said in a statement provided by the credit union and reported by Pasadena Now.
As she began rebuilding, Sellers told the publication she worked with Timothy Melton, a new accounts representative at the $175-million E-Central Credit Union who has more than 30 years of experience in real estate and construction lending. According to Pasadena Now, Sellers said Melton provided guidance throughout the recovery process and remained available after business hours to answer questions related to rebuilding efforts.
‘Role Beyond Banking’
“During times like these, our role goes far beyond banking,” Melton said in a statement reported by Pasadena Now. “It’s about being genuinely invested in our members’ recovery and future.”
Sellers said she valued what she described as the credit union’s community-focused approach and regularly recommends E-Central to friends and family, according to Pasadena Now.
The publication also reported on the experience of John McCall, pastor of Bethel Church and founder of D’Veal Family and Youth Services. McCall said he and his wife lost their family home in the Eaton Fire and turned to E-Central for assistance afterward.
“The overall experience was amazing,” McCall said, according to Pasadena Now. “Everyone was knowledgeable and treated my wife and me with respect.”
According to information provided by the credit union and cited by Pasadena Now, E-Central staff worked with McCall to structure accounts in a way designed to maximize federal deposit insurance coverage through the NCUSIF.
‘Made it Easy’
“I was impressed with the immediacy of service during a challenging time,” McCall said. “When I needed the funds, E-Central just made it easy.”
Evan Hitchcock, the credit union’s vice president of operations, said E-Central sought to provide both financial assistance and personal support to members affected by the disaster.
“These are the moments that define who we are,” Hitchcock said in a statement reported by Pasadena Now. “We appreciate being a trusted partner our members can rely on, offering not only financial solutions, but real support in times of need.”
The Eaton Fire, which affected communities in the Pasadena area, left many residents facing the challenges of replacing homes, accessing funds and navigating insurance and rebuilding processes. Pasadena Now reported that E-Central highlighted the experiences of members as examples of the credit union’s efforts to assist those recovering from the disaster.
